Deuteronomy 33:13-29

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Moses Blesses the Tribes of Israel

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The blessings of Moses on the tribes of Israel are both past and future, cont.
    e) The blessing on Joseph
    f) The blessing on Zebulun and Issachar
    g) The blessing on Gad
    h) The blessing on Dan
    i) The blessing on Naphtali
    j) The blessing on Asher

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. You can be sure that your strength will equal your days!

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the overall theme of these blessings of Moses?

  2. How was Joseph, the son of Jacob, represented in the tribes of Israel?

  3. What special blessing was given to the adjacent tribes of Zebulun and Issachar?

  4. What territory was assigned to the tribe of Dan? Where did they end up?

  5. Why are some well-to-do and well-meaning Christians drilling for oil next to Caesarea?

ANSWERS

  1. The greatness of the God of Israel.

  2. Joseph was represented by his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who both became significant tribes in the nation of Israel. They were the largest tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel.

  3. We see in verses 18-19 that Zebulum and Issachar would not only be blessed themselves, but they would be special channels of blessing to others through their commercial wealth.

  4. Dan originally tried to settle a region along the Mediterranean Coast, as far north as Joppa. Due to resistance from the Philistines, they moved north to Bashan (see verse 22).

  5. Because of the prophecy to Asher that he will “dip his foot in oil.” The slightly boot-shaped territory of Asher ends near Caesarea, but this promise is mostly like a figurative expression for abundance.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The tribe of Gad was among the 2½ tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. But they kept their word to help the rest of the tribes conquer the land on the west side of the River. They are commended for this in Deuteronomy 33:20-21. Think of a time when you have kept your word when it would have been much more convenient to stay home. What was the result?

  2. Consider the promise to Asher, “As your days, so shall your strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25 Whatever the Lord gives us to do in this life as believers, He will give us the strength to do it. Do you believe this? Have you seen it?

CHALLENGE

  1. Read the closing of Moses’ blessing of the tribes in verses 26-29. Moses dwells on the greatness of the God of Israel. Use this passage to lead you in worship of our great God.

KEY VERSES

  • “As your days, so shall your strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25

  • “Then Israel shall dwell in safety, The fountain of Jacob alone, In a land of grain and new wine; His heavens shall also drop dew.” Deuteronomy 33:28

Deuteronomy, Old Testament, TalksRon ReidDEUTERONOMY 33:13-29